Prize Giving

ANother night of excitement. The children were up for about 15 awards in total.

Reuben was first runner up in Non Fiction Book of the Year for the Trojan thief ( against lots of amazing Year 6's and his sister). He was runner up in Basic Facts Year four and received his distinctions from the Australasian Exams.

Caitlin performed her winning Idol song- and probably gave an even better rendition of it if that is possible.

She won:-
Performing Arts award
Most improved player in netball
Research Assignment for the Story behind the Green Sign
Huia Museum Historical Research Award.

She has a haul of four trophies and 18 certificates.

We are so so so very proud of them both.

Oh and Daddy got the biggest trophy of all- the SPOT PRIZE!!!

Still on a high

Caitlin is still on a high from Friday's events. She has hardly slept this weekend and has carried her trophy everywhere, including through the mall on Saturday so we could get it engraved with her name. I'm sure she thought if she didn't they could take it away from her!

She really has no idea how good she is. She refuses to watch the videos and when she caught a snippet just heard the faults.


She is such a star!!!

Caitlin Ashcroft- Superstar!!

We have a superstar in the house. Caitlin's performance at Laingholm Idol blew them away. We are so proud of our little girl.

Well, see for yourself.

Thanks to Jos Evans for this movie. He videoed the whole thing and still found time to email me this version




Chris' video of Caitlin's performance. This includes Graham's comments after the performance.





WHAT HE SAID!!!!!! The judge came from St Cuthberts, he looked and sounded like a rockstar.




And finally, the moment just after the winner was announced, courtesy of Chris




WE ARE SO PROUD OF OUR LITTLE GIRL!!!!!!!

Nomination update

Caitlin today received a very important nomination- all round student of the year. I have a feeling it may go to one of the more sporty kids but you never know.

Another day of triumphs in the Ashcroft household.

On December 16th, 2008 Laingholm School will be holding their first prize giving in the new School Hall. The nominations were handed out today so the children know which awards they are shortlisted for.

Reuben has been nominated in:

Best Non Fiction book of the year ( for his retelling of the story of Troy- no I don’t think it’s a non fiction book either)

Best Wallchart for the ‘European badger’

Top three placing in the Basics facts championship ( year4)

Role Model of the year (year 4)


Caitlin has been nominated in:

Non fiction book of the year ( The Takahe)

Best single piece of writing ( My teacher rocks)

Role Model of the year ( Year 6)

Best Wallchart ( micro organisms in NZ streams)

Research assignment ( Behind the Green sign)

Performing Arts award ( for drama and music)

Top three placing in Basic facts ( year 6)

Best piece of ICT ( Streams video and interview- created with Ruby Le Marquand)

She has of course also placed second in the speech finals and general knowledge finals which also get her a mention, and who knows she may even get a netball prize as well!!!

Oh dear, last year the Hart family did rather well….

Another success

From Blogger Pictures

Recently Caitlin and her mum went to the Waitakere City Council chambers for the award presentation for the 'J T Diamond' essay competition. This is a competition which aims to increase awareness of the history of West Auckland through individual research. There were about 40 entries, only eight adults and the rest children. Laingholm had entered about 10 essays and most were rewarded with something. Caitlin and her friend Chloe ( in the photo- who also has plates) came joint third in the historical research section. Caitlin was mentioned in the opening speech too. The presenter commented on how many of the children had used their own experiences to choose their topic, ' like the girl who wrote about what happened behind a sign down her road!' At that point we knew she had won something!!

We are so proud of her, and she is proud of herself too. And at least she didn't come second!!!!!